Brutes in Suits Male Sensibility in America, 18901920

John Pettegrew examines theoretical writings and cultural traditions in the United States to find that, Darwinian arguments to the contrary, masculine aggression can be interpreted as a modern strategy for taking power. Drawing ideas from varied and at times seemingly contradictory sources, Pettegrew argues that traditionally held beliefs about masculinity developed largely through language and cultural habit -- and that these same tools can be employed to break through the myth that brutishness is an inherently male trait."An instructive and provocative view of men's dark side." -- Men and Masculinities"Pettegrew's book remains rigorous and passionate in its narration of the historic appeal as well as the immediate dangers of de-evolutionary masculinity." -- American Historical Review"To Pettegrew's great credit, his study looks both forward and back: at the way masculinity was naturalized as aggressive in turn-of-the-century society; and, perhaps more importantly, at the extent to which modern-day historians, scientists, and ordinary citizens deploy discourses of evolutionary psychology, sociobiology, and psychology in a misplaced effort to read gender as the offspring of biology and society." -- Journal of American History"It will spark debate within the field for its bold explanation of why modern men feel as though violence is both their burden and right." -- H-SHGAPE, H-Net Reviews"This well-researched and engaging volume will certainly enrich the ever-growing field of men's studies." -- Gender and HistoryJohn Pettegrew is an associate professor of history and director of the American Studies Program at Lehigh UniversityPettegrew, John is the author of 'Brutes in Suits Male Sensibility in America, 18901920', published 2007 under ISBN 9780801886034 and ISBN 0801886031.